concrete residence's L-shaped infinity pool merges with costa rica's pacific coast

K10 Studio designed a 175 sqm beach house in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, overlooking Ostional Beach, that embodies a low-tech industrial aesthetic. The design prioritizes a connection with nature and panoramic ocean views, achieved through a simple and functional composition. The ground floor features an open-plan living area seamlessly connected to an infinity pool, which is strategically oriented perpendicular to the house. This orientation enhances the visual connection to the ocean and integrates the natural surroundings into the living space. The infinity pool is designed with three distinct depth levels and incorporates sitting and resting areas, making it a versatile extension of the living space suitable for various activities and relaxation. Its symmetrical alignment with the house contributes to a serene and inviting atmosphere. The architects utilized minimalistic industrial raw finishes, including concrete, steel, and teak wood, to create a striking contrast with the vibrant natural environment. Complementing these raw materials, carefully selected mosaic tiles add visual interest with their geometric patterns and contrasting colors, providing elegant design elements within the overall understated aesthetic. This thoughtful material palette contributes to the low-tech industrial concept, emphasizing durability and a natural feel. The upper level of the guesthouse features two master bedrooms and one kids' bedroom, each equipped with balconies that offer views of both the ocean and the surrounding jungle. The bathrooms are designed with segmentation for high functionality, catering to rental purposes by allowing multiple guests to use them simultaneously, which enhances the guest experience and practical utility. The overall design prioritizes both functionality and comfort, creating an inviting and unpretentious space that deeply connects with its natural setting. K10 Studio aimed to balance building size, budget constraints, quality of construction, and the user experience, resulting in a harmonious retreat that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The project is situated on a hill, providing an elevated perspective of Ostional Beach. The architectural approach ensures that the stunning views are maximized from various points within the house, from the open living areas to the private balconies. Roberto D’Ambrosio captured the essence of the project through photography, highlighting the integration of the structure with its environment and the interplay of materials and light. The selection of materials like concrete and steel speaks to a durable, robust construction, while teak wood adds a touch of natural warmth and local context, reinforcing the 'low-tech' aspect by favoring materials that age gracefully and require minimal complex maintenance. The guesthouse's design as a rental property influences practical considerations such as the segmented bathrooms and robust material choices, ensuring longevity and ease of use for diverse occupants. This project reflects a modern approach to beach house architecture, where industrial simplicity meets natural beauty, offering a tranquil and functional living experience that respects and utilizes its unique coastal location. The emphasis on user experience is evident in the layout and amenities, making it a comfortable and engaging space for residents and guests alike. #Architecture #ResidentialArchitecture #BeachHouse #InfinityPool #CostaRica #Guanacaste #LowTechDesign #IndustrialDesign #K10Studio

Zozaya Arquitectos has completed Casa Piscina del Cielo, a residence perched on the coastal slopes of Mexico’s Pacific coast, serving as both a home and an integral landscape intervention. The project's design was significantly influenced by the site’s unique topography and existing ancient boulders, which the client requested to be incorporated into an unconventional and paradigm-breaking structure. The entrance to the home is defined by strong geometric forms and stone surfaces, guiding visitors through large doors into a central courtyard. During excavation, massive natural rocks were uncovered and subsequently preserved in their original positions, transforming them into sculptural monoliths that anchor the home’s layout. From this central stone courtyard, Casa Piscina del Cielo expands, featuring a main living space sheltered beneath a towering palapa. This thatched canopy allows the area to remain open on all sides, welcoming sea breezes and abundant natural light. The living, dining, and kitchen areas seamlessly flow into one another, forming an expansive communal space that feels both open and protected. Service areas are strategically positioned to one side, ensuring they do not disrupt the continuous flow of the primary living spaces, which extend onto a covered terrace equipped with a pergola, grill, and bar, offering unobstructed views of the horizon. One of the most notable features of Casa Piscina del Cielo is its swimming pool, which cantilevers 27 meters (90 feet) beyond the cliffside. This pool, suspended dramatically over the coastline and the ocean below, incorporates a square glass window in its floor. This architectural detail provides a unique underwater view of the surf, creating the illusion of floating between the sea and the sky, and thus giving the project its distinctive name and character. The interior design, overseen by DRDS, draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, emphasizing restrained detailing and furnishings that harmonize with the site’s textures. Adjacent to the courtyard, a cinema and office space are situated next to a guest suite that opens onto its own private terrace. On the most secluded lower level, the main bedroom and a gym are located, both offering views of a tranquil terrace that frames distant ocean panoramas. From this sheltered vantage point, the striking silhouette of the suspended pool above becomes an intrinsic part of the coastal scenery. Taller Entorno was responsible for the landscape design, which thoughtfully integrates plantings and pathways into the terrain, ensuring the house appears to emerge organically from the hillside rather than imposing upon it. This approach establishes a continuous connection between the natural slope, the rugged stone formations, and the constructed elements of the residence. The material palette curated by Zozaya Arquitectos reflects regional authenticity, incorporating woven palm for the palapa and interior ceilings, parota wood for its warmth, and chukum plaster to evoke the surrounding earth. The use of exposed concrete, steel pergolas, and wood decks creates a dialogue between traditional local craftsmanship and a style that borders on brutalism. The home also incorporates passive design strategies and water recycling systems, contributing to its sustainable performance. Overall, Casa Piscina del Cielo represents a harmonious blend of innovative architecture, natural integration, and luxurious living on Mexico's Pacific coast, embodying a unique response to its challenging yet beautiful site. #ArchitecturalDesign #CoastalHome #InfinityPool #MexicoArchitecture #SustainableDesign #LuxuryResidence #LandscapeIntegration #ModernArchitecture

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson designed the San Marino Residence, a waterfront property on Miami's Biscayne Bay for clients who own a California winery. The clients sought a home that would emphasize lush tropical surroundings and facilitate indoor/outdoor living directly on the water. The residence is situated on a narrow, wedge-shaped lot, and its design expands towards the waterfront, maximizing views and access to the bay. The architectural composition consists of three distinct linear elements. A two-story volume accommodates the primary living spaces, providing ample room for daily activities and relaxation. Adjacent to this, a single-story wing houses a guest suite and an office, offering privacy and dedicated workspaces or accommodations for visitors. A key architectural feature is the elevated lap pool, which extends dramatically into the backyard, providing a striking visual element and an elevated recreational space. The most distinctive aspect of the design is the cantilevered pool, which projects an impressive 18 feet over the home's main entry and walkway. This bold design choice creates a memorable visual statement and an architectural landmark for the property. The main living and sleeping areas are housed within the primary structure, designed to integrate seamlessly with the outdoor environment. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors are a prominent feature, allowing for abundant natural light and enabling ocean breezes to circulate throughout the interiors, which is crucial for maintaining comfort in a tropical climate. To mitigate direct sun exposure and prevent excessive heat gain, the design incorporates large roof overhangs, which provide shade and contribute to the home's energy efficiency. Inside, a large expanse of windows illuminates the staircase, connecting the sleeping quarters on the upper level with the living spaces below. This design choice ensures that even transitional areas within the home are bathed in natural light and offer visual connections to the surroundings. The overall design prioritizes a contemporary aesthetic while addressing the specific environmental conditions and lifestyle desires of the homeowners. The blend of sleek architectural lines, thoughtful material selection, and strategic orientation towards the water creates a residence that is both visually stunning and highly functional for its Miami Bay setting. The home serves as a luxurious retreat, embodying modern indoor/outdoor living with a focus on both comfort and innovative design. #WaterfrontHome #BiscayneBay #ModernArchitecture #CantileveredPool #IndoorOutdoorLiving #TropicalDesign #BohlinCywinskiJackson #MiamiHomes #LuxuryResidence

Zozaya Arquitectos has completed Casa Mateo, a 488-square-meter concrete seaside residence in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, in 2022. The house is situated on one of the highest peaks of the Punta Garrabo development, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding jungle landscape. The client's brief called for a minimalist and clean design while integrating vernacular and traditional architectural elements, with additional inspiration drawn from traditional Japanese architecture for certain features. Access to Casa Mateo is provided by a sloped road leading to the property. The entrance opens into a central courtyard, which features a prominent rectangular reflecting pool oriented perpendicular to the sea. An outdoor staircase flanked by stone weeping walls further defines this entry sequence. The house itself is composed of two distinct rectilinear concrete forms, capped by broad roof planes. Functionally, the residence is divided into private and social zones. To the left of the main entrance, a private area houses three bedrooms and their corresponding bathrooms. This section is subtly marked by a coffee-colored parota wood screen and a decorative cotton fisherman's net hanging rope. The social spaces, including the living room, dining room, and kitchen, are located to the right of the entrance. These areas are delineated by a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass wall and feature white deep-sea coral sculptures, which the director Daniel Zozaya explains were curated to bring natural fragments from the habitat into the interior design. The material palette in the social areas is predominantly a monotone grey, achieved through the use of local stone walls, steel accents, and Volcani floor tiles. These spaces seamlessly open onto an expansive outdoor terrace. A large grilling area, shaded by a stainless steel pergola adorned with local tree branches and polycarbonate, is positioned next to a sunken seating space, designed for relaxation and entertainment. A notable feature of the design is the primary ensuite, which extends to an infinity pool with a two-sided waterfall edge, offering uninterrupted ocean views. The construction of this pool was carefully planned to integrate around an existing tree on the site. The selection of materials was guided by criteria of quality, local availability, and durability, ensuring that the chosen tones harmonize organically with the natural environment. The calming water features throughout the design are central to the house's serene atmosphere, acting as a functional element that subtly divides the social and private zones while evoking a sense of tranquility. The project incorporates passive bioclimatic systems, such as cross-ventilation, specifically adapted to the coastal environment for optimal thermal comfort. Green roofs have also been implemented to mimic the surrounding vegetation, reduce paved surfaces, and contribute to the internal thermal regulation of the residence. Zozaya Arquitectos, established in 1986 on the Mexican Pacific coast, specializes in residential seaside projects, with previous works including a cliffside home with a thatched roof and a holiday home featuring a bamboo screen, both located in Zihuatanejo. #ZozayaArquitectos #CasaMateo #MexicanArchitecture #CoastalLiving #ConcreteHouse #ReflectingPool #SustainableDesign #InfinityPool #BioclimaticArchitecture

The article showcases a modern lakeside pool house in Gallatin, New York, designed to accommodate four generations of a family and their guests. The initial vision for the property was a family escape, particularly during the pandemic when four generations resided together in the main house, built in 2017 by Carol Kurth Architecture. This led to the development of a separate, expansive pool house, also serving as a guest house, to meet the diverse needs of a large, multi-generational family and their community-oriented lifestyle. The design process involved a collaborative effort with Bedford-based designers Carol Kurth, AIA, Hilary Matt, and builder David Penny of East Mountain Construction Management. Gabby, one of the homeowners' daughters, played a key role in overseeing the construction. The inspiration for the pool house stemmed from a long-standing family tradition of gathering at a lake house, a tradition Gabby's father, who grew up in South Africa, sought to continue after purchasing the Columbia County property nearly three decades ago. The pool house complements the main residence while integrating with its natural surroundings, emphasizing a more casual and adventurous design approach suitable for a second home. The pool house's layout prioritizes ease of access and functionality for large groups. It features a unique design without a traditional front door, instead offering "wet-dry footpaths" that lead into a mudroom or through the pool bathroom. The mudroom is equipped with cubbies for storage and laundry facilities for wet towels. This area seamlessly transitions into the main entertaining space, characterized by vaulted ceilings and expansive glass doors that open onto a covered outdoor seating area, fostering a continuous indoor-outdoor experience. A notable playful element is a rock-climbing wall that extends from beyond the mudroom into the living room, appealing to children. Durability and child-friendliness were central to the interior design choices. High-quality vinyl flooring, mimicking wood, was installed to withstand water and heavy use. Furniture, such as the Verellen living room sofas, are covered in outdoor fabric, ensuring easy cleaning of spills. A chalkboard-covered pocket door separates the bedroom wing from the main living space, adding another interactive element. The bunk room, designed by Kurth and Matt, features timeless navy hues and full-size beds to accommodate guests of all ages. For children, the room includes monkey bars that span a wall and across the ceiling, along with individual Sazerac Stitches sconces by each bed. The primary bedroom offers a luxurious retreat, featuring a plush bed from Muskoka Living, Kelly Wearstler side tables, Allied Maker alabaster sconces, a Katy Skelton bench, and Matouk linens. Its design incorporates extensive glass, providing views of the woods and lake, creating a treehouse-like ambiance with modern comforts. The primary bathroom continues this theme with a floor-to-ceiling slot window in the shower. Art curated by Gabby's mother, a former Guggenheim curator, is integrated throughout the house, including pieces from her personal collection and abstract works created by a family friend in collaboration with Gabby's brother. The outdoor spaces are equally integral to the family's entertaining, with an outdoor kitchen added by the pool and a sun shelf in the Wagner Pools-installed pool. The surrounding landscape by Biasin Landscape features bluestone pavers and wood planks, mirroring the house's modern aesthetic. #LakesideLiving #PoolHouseDesign #MultiGenerationalHome #FamilyEscape #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #ModernHome

Architects Cayley Lambur and Lucia Bartholomew, cofounders of Electric Bowery, faced the challenge of a narrow 60-foot-wide plot in Venice, California. Collaborating with Gaia Construction, they designed a hacienda-style, multi-building compound, integrating custom steel windows and doors that open to a central courtyard. The design aimed to create a secluded, private retreat within the property boundaries. Landscape architects Terremoto, with assistance from Barranca Landscape, developed a landscaping plan focusing on lush, privacy-enhancing plants and a meandering layout that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach ensures that the outdoor areas do not feel like a singular large patio but rather a series of interconnected zones, enhancing the overall sense of privacy and retreat. Key design elements include the strategic use of travertine, a durable variety of limestone. This material was applied consistently across the property, appearing on the house's facade, as large patio pavers, and even in an alfresco shower. The shower's pony wall, approximately 5 feet tall, was designed to allow bathers views of the treetops, merging functionality with natural aesthetics. The fireplace facade, initially planned to match the stucco perimeter wall, was altered to incorporate a green stone hearth. This choice provided a verdant contrast against the sandy-toned compound, complementing the existing olive trees and a large jacaranda tree and further contributing to the oasis-like atmosphere. The plunge pool and hot tub were clad in Kelly green subway tile, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscaping. Low-profile, tiered travertine pavers around the pool were chosen to evoke the appearance of an ancient natural spring, rather than a modern installation. This design decision contributes to the organic and integrated feel of the outdoor space. Inside, a thoughtful design detail creates a moment of pause: in the hallway connecting the main living area to the primary bedroom and en suite, a space was specifically carved out. This area features a floor-to-ceiling window looking onto a garden. While the indoor space itself contains only a sliver of gravel and no actual plants, the intention was to create the impression of being completely open to the elements, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and enhancing the serene, secluded ambiance of the home. #CaliforniaHome #CourtyardDesign #Travertine #GreenTilePool #OutdoorShower #LandscapeArchitecture #HaciendaStyle #VeniceCalifornia #HomeDesign

The Pergola House in Playa Grande, Costa Rica, designed by Studio Saxe, represents a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living, conceived after the clients experienced a personal loss and sought a fresh start in Costa Rica. The architectural design was specifically tailored to integrate with the vibrant natural landscapes of the region, focusing on a seamless transition between the home and its environment. The project's genesis stems from the clients' desire for a deep connection with nature and an active family lifestyle following the loss of their previous home to wildfires. The core concept of the Pergola House revolves around a series of elegant pergolas. These structures serve multiple functions: they unify the garden with the living spaces, extend the outdoor experience by inviting coastal breezes and panoramic mountain and ocean views into the home, and provide natural shade. The design is characterized by structured rib elements that can expand or contract, adapting to the surrounding topography and existing trees. This adaptability allowed for the incorporation of natural elements directly into the architectural scheme, with intentional gaps in the roofline to accommodate and celebrate the verdant vegetation. Sustainability was a paramount consideration in the design and construction of the Pergola House. The residence generates its own energy through solar power, while the extensive pergolas and overhangs provide natural shading to mitigate heat gain. Strategic placement of windows promotes natural cross-ventilation, drawing cool air from both the ocean and the mountains, thereby reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems. Furthermore, water recycling systems are implemented to irrigate the surrounding landscape, supporting local flora and contributing to the cooling of the home's exterior surfaces. This holistic approach ensures that the house not only minimizes its environmental footprint but also actively enhances its ecological setting. The construction process emphasized efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Prefabricated structural metal ribs were assembled on-site, a method chosen to reduce disruption to the natural landscape. This technique also offered flexibility, allowing the architecture to navigate around existing trees and challenging topographical features. The project utilized a combination of local materials and prefabricated elements, showcasing a commitment to light-touch construction that integrates innovation with traditional building practices. This approach underscores the project's dedication to both aesthetic harmony and ecological responsibility. Completed in December 2022, the Pergola House spans approximately 400 square meters. The design director for Studio Saxe was Benjamin G. Saxe, with interior design by Sofía Interiorismo, landscape design by Studio Saxe, structural engineering by GUIDI Estructurales, and electromechanical engineering by DYNAMO. C+C served as the builder. The clients expressed that the home symbolizes renewal and resilience, providing a sanctuary where family life can thrive amidst nature. The architectural philosophy captivated them with its seamless integration into the environment and its reflection of the inhabitants' personal journey, creating a dwelling that embodies hope and new beginnings in the vibrant Costa Rican landscape. #PergolaHouse #CostaRicanArchitecture #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #StudioSaxe #PlayaGrande #TropicalArchitecture #EcoFriendlyHome

Inverse Project has designed the 'Beach Barn,' a functional, single-level home situated on a rectangular beachfront lot in Costa Rica's central Pacific area. The design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural environment, which features a gentle slope towards the ocean and a grove of coconut palms frequently visited by sloths and macaws. The client's requirement for fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces heavily influenced the architectural concept. The core design inspiration for the Beach Barn is a large barn roof, characterized by differing north and south pitches. This configuration incorporates a clerestory window that effectively captures morning sunlight, enhancing the interior's natural illumination. To ensure optimal comfort in the tropical climate, the design incorporates an open structure that facilitates natural ventilation, allowing hot air to escape through a slot extending the length of the building. The barn roof is supported by two substantial parallel stone walls, establishing a clear axis from the entry point to the seaside. This primary living space extends outwards to define both an arrival courtyard and an expansive outdoor living terrace. Access to the Beach Barn is discreetly located within a lush, tropical courtyard, leading to a prominent, off-center pivot door crafted from Guanacaste wood. This bespoke door features a long, driftwood-inspired pull, meticulously created by a local metalworker. Inside, a unique wooden sculpture, developed using parametric software by Inverse Project, serves as a partial screen for the open-plan living area and visually represents an ocean wave, further connecting the interior to its coastal setting. Maximizing Costa Rica's mild climate, the residence includes a generously sized outdoor terrace for both living and dining activities. A saltwater infinity-edge pool, designed to offer scenic reflections of the ocean, especially during sunset, is a key feature. A large, wood-framed sliding door provides the option to enclose and protect the interiors from the elements when necessary. The interiors are organized around a wide, open central space, flanked by four distinct modules. These modules accommodate three bedrooms and a garage, with the separated volumes creating private garden courtyards that introduce natural light and greenery into the living spaces and bedrooms. The master bedroom is distinguished by Guanacaste wood panels behind the bed, which are designed to mimic the concentric ripples of raindrops on water. Hand-blown glass lamps, resembling water droplets, contribute to the thematic decor, while large windows provide unobstructed ocean views. Bathrooms feature polished concrete floors that smoothly transition to flush slatted wood in the shower areas. Indirect lighting is strategically placed beneath floating sink counters and behind mirrors, enhancing the aesthetic. Brazilian Gneiss stone clads the walls of the central living space, with floor lighting designed to accentuate the stone's texture. Sustainability was a key consideration in the construction. The roof features clay tiles and solar hot water panels, promoting energy efficiency. Large ceiling fans installed in living spaces and bedrooms reduce the reliance on air conditioning. The lighting system, developed by Ilumineisn, predominantly uses indirect dimmable LEDs to conserve energy and allow for adjustable ambiance. The main living space is equipped with a lighting control system that includes preset light scenes and motorized roll-down window shades, offering convenience and environmental control. #BioclimaticArchitecture #TropicalDesign #CoastalLiving #SustainableArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CostaRicaArchitecture #InverseProject #ResidentialDesign

This blog post showcases a modern, three-level, three-bedroom beach house located on the Victorian coast in Point Lonsdale, Australia. Designed by builder David McDonald for his brother Peter, Peter's wife Lis, and their children Johanna (15) and Charlie (11), the home serves as a family retreat built to withstand the test of time while offering flexible holiday living. The design emphasizes natural materials, clean lines, and high-quality, durable finishes. The house incorporates several distinctive architectural elements, notably a central lap pool with a 12-person spa and a striking curved rammed earth wall. This eight-meter-high rammed earth wall was a deliberate choice to break away from traditional straight lines, adding a sophisticated, earthy touch to the seaside sanctuary. The construction of this feature required careful planning and heavy machinery, especially considering the pool was already in place. The builder aimed for a strong, contemporary design that would blend seamlessly with the surrounding established vegetation, ensuring longevity and timeless appeal. Inside, the home features an open-plan layout bathed in natural light. The kitchen and living area form the central hub, designed for family interaction and direct access to the northern deck and pool. The kitchen boasts European oak for the island benchtop and flooring, complemented by black facades and stainless-steel kickboards, adding a touch of luxury. The dining area continues this aesthetic with a round dining table and sculptural chairs that echo the kitchen island's curves. The entryway is designed to make a bold first impression with its dark and moody aesthetic. Other notable areas include a flexible study space offering stunning views over Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and Port Phillip Heads. Hallways feature timber flooring and railings, which, combined with the rammed earth walls, add warmth to the interior. Bathrooms incorporate natural textures with limestone tiles and European oak vanities, while playful lighting fixtures contribute an industrial, modern touch. Bedrooms, such as Charlie's room and the master bedroom, are enlivened with bright elements like Kip & Co bedlinen and an Ikea rug, providing a fun and contemporary feel. The master bedroom also includes a dark dividing wall to separate the sleeping area from the wardrobe. The exterior of the home features Australian hardwood timber cladding, chosen for its sustainability and ability to age gracefully, further contributing to the architectural integrity. Another favourite design detail of the builder is the cantilevered timber staircase that elegantly follows the curve of the rammed earth wall. The project was completed in 11 months, adhering to a pre-Christmas deadline for the family's holiday celebrations, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of the builder and his team in overcoming construction challenges to deliver a uniquely designed, durable, and aesthetically pleasing beach house. #RammedEarth #BeachHouse #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableMaterials #FamilyHome #ModernElegance #IndoorOutdoorLiving #PointLonsdale #InteriorDesign

Bill and Dorrie McGonigal, the homeowners, designed their oceanfront dream home in Kure Beach, North Carolina, with a strong emphasis on glass, leveraging Bill's background in the commercial glass installation industry. The house, slightly under 5,000 square feet, was built on a lot-and-a-half of oceanfront property not in a flood zone, adjacent to a beach access. The couple, who began vacationing in Kure Beach in the 1980s, purchased the property in 2011, which initially housed a bungalow and an apartment building that were subsequently demolished to make way for their new home. The design inspiration for the house was drawn from various sources including television shows, magazines, and past vacations. The McGonigals collaborated with Jimmy Doster, president of Doster Building Company in Wrightsville Beach, who was intrigued by their vision for a modern, unprecedented design. The construction process was highly collaborative, with the homeowners actively involved, especially in the early stages, sharing their expertise in glass installation. Bill and his sons even participated in installing a portion of the glass, a process that Doster's team then learned and completed. The build spanned two years, characterized by continuous brainstorming and problem-solving, without the involvement of a traditional architect, evolving organically through the combined expertise of the homeowners and the builder. A key feature of the home is its extensive use of hurricane-resistant commercial-grade glass for the ocean-facing exterior. These custom-fabricated panels, measuring up to 7 feet wide and 10 feet tall, were chosen for their durability and ability to maximize ocean views. The exterior also incorporates white painted glass tile, sizable glass panels, and bamboo planks, with ipe decking for the outdoor porches and electric solar panels on the roof, all chosen for low maintenance. The front entrance is marked by a slab of marble, and the property includes a four-car garage and a ground-level apartment designated for grandchildren. The interior design continues the theme of openness and reflection. High-gloss white cabinets in the kitchen complement carved concrete countertops mixed with cobalt and royal blue glass aggregates, mirroring the ocean's colors. Radiant heated porcelain tile is used throughout the home for flooring and accent walls. A glass staircase imported from Italy serves as an architectural centerpiece, alongside hand-blown glass light fixtures and one-inch thick glass railings fastened by metal clips, ensuring maximum transparency between floors. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle, the home features only two closets and sparse furniture in most bedrooms, with beds floating in the center of the room, all oriented towards the ocean. The master bathroom boasts a custom-fabricated sandstone tub, weighing over 2,000 pounds, which required a crane for installation before the final exterior wall was constructed. This tub was inspired by two sandstone vessels the McGonigals found. Upstairs, guest bedrooms accessible via the mezzanine feature painted glass sliding doors in various colors like blue, green, and coral, with each room offering ocean views over the glass railing. The design allows every bedroom to have an oceanfront perspective, a rare feature for a five-bedroom house. The outdoor spaces, including an infinity pool and a rooftop deck with 360-degree glass railings, are designed for year-round enjoyment, providing panoramic views of the ocean, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and even Wrightsville on clear days, fulfilling the homeowners' desire to immerse themselves in the coastal environment during their retirement. #GlassHouse #ModernArchitecture #OceanfrontHome #KureBeach #CustomDesign #CoastalLiving #LowMaintenance #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHome

The "Casa To" hotel, located on Mexico's Pacific coast in Puerto Escondido, is a nine-suite establishment designed by architect Ludwig Godefroy. The hotel aims to provide a "discreet oasis" for its guests, drawing inspiration from various architectural and cultural sources while prioritizing simplicity in its design. The materials and color palettes used throughout the hotel are informed by natural textures and tones found in the surrounding environment. Key design elements for the hotel's striking vaulted ceilings were derived from two historical hydraulic works: the 6th-century Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and the 19th-century Hornsey Wood Reservoir in Finsbury Park, London. These historical structures provided conceptual cues for the architectural form. A prominent feature of Casa To is its covered infinity pool and solarium, where large circular openings are cut into raw concrete walls, allowing guests to swim through them. The blue of the pool water offers a visual contrast to the surrounding material palette, which itself is influenced by the modernist buildings of Le Corbusier. The hotel's suites are situated in a volume adjacent to the pool and terraced solarium. Six ground-floor rooms offer access to gardens, while three upper-level rooms include a terrace and an outdoor bath. The interior design of Casa To is deeply influenced by its natural surroundings, specifically a Madagascar Blue Bismarck palm tree (Bismarckia Nobilis) that was originally on the site. The chosen color scheme incorporates natural concrete and stainless steel tones, complemented by turquoise, yellow, blue, and green nuances. For the hotel's furniture, Godefroy collaborated with expert carpenters from the Puebla, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca regions. This approach ensured custom-designed pieces with a human touch, such as bamboo elements created by Tiago Solís Van Beuren, which introduce warmth against the concrete structure. Both Godefroy and the hotelier advocate for consciousness and sustainability as integral aspects of modern luxury living. The hotel implements a Fairtrade model for purchasing furniture, enabling guests to acquire these pieces. Environmentally, Casa To includes a water treatment plant for reusing wastewater in its planted areas, utilizes solar panels for energy storage, and maintains a strict zero-plastics policy. #HotelArchitecture #MexicanDesign #LudwigGodefroy #SustainableDesign #InfinityPool #ConcreteArchitecture #LeCorbusierInfluence #OaxacanCraftsmanship #PuertoEscondido

Ty Bhojwani, an Indian-born Canadian businessman, embarked on a decade-long journey to create his dream getaway home in Alibag, near Mumbai, India. After exploring numerous plots, he finally settled on a 1.8-hectare (4.4-acre) patch of land in 2012, drawn by its breathtaking vistas of the sea, hills, and verdant valleys. Despite initial challenges such as the absence of water, electricity, and roads, Bhojwani remained committed to his vision. Construction of the five-bedroom house, named The Ray after the manta rays found in the Arabian Sea, began in 2017 and took four years to complete, rather than the initial 18-month estimate. The Ray consists of two distinct two-storey pavilions: one is light and airy, while the other is substantial and monumental. Interestingly, neither pavilion primarily focuses on maximizing sea views; instead, they offer diverse vistas, including a central courtyard featuring boulders set in gravel. This design approach, advocated by Robert Verrijt and Shefali Balwani, co-founders of Architecture BRIO, aimed to give the house more dimension. Their design was a thoughtful response to Bhojwani's request for a modern plantation-style home reminiscent of grand mansions in Barbados and the Bahamas. The white pavilion incorporates traditional plantation elements such as shuttered expanses and high ceilings to promote natural airflow, ensuring the structure felt integrated with its environment rather than alien. To further blend the house with its surroundings, landscape architect Kunal Maniar collaborated with Architecture BRIO to enhance the undulating site. They designed a dense screen at the entrance to build anticipation for visitors. The arrival sequence leads guests through a crushed stone path to a cave-like lobby featuring a manta-ray floor mosaic. From there, a spiral staircase descends into a bright, open living area with steel-framed windows on three sides, offering views of an infinity pool and green paddy fields, with the bay visible in the distance. The stone pavilion, housing the bedrooms, is accessible from the double-height living room, including a "secret" passage at the rear. The master bedroom, located on the upper level, connects to an outdoor staircase resembling stepped pyramids. Gardens surrounding the two top-floor bedrooms help to maintain cooler temperatures in the rooms below. The wraparound infinity pool and an adjacent louvred outdoor lounge, extending from the living room, contribute to the home's inviting atmosphere. Esha, Bhojwani’s wife, chose the hand-fired turquoise blue tiles for the pool, preferring them over popular black-bottom or cement pools for their welcoming aesthetic. The furniture and furnishings, both indoors and outdoors, were either custom-designed, selected from existing collections, or sourced primarily from Indonesia by Timothy Oulton Studio, emphasizing comfort with washed linens. Unique natural basalt boulders on the property were either retained as features or carved by Rajasthani artisans into distinctive bathroom basins, adding to the home's remarkable character. Despite the lengthy development process, Bhojwani finds moments by the pool surreal, fulfilling a vision he held for a decade. #Architecture #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #AlibagIndia #ModernPlantationHouse #InfinityPool #TimothyOulton #ArchitectureBRIO #LandscapeDesign

This article showcases five holiday homes, each featuring a unique infinity pool design, located across various picturesque regions, offering a luxurious escape and an immersive experience with nature. Infinity pools are highlighted as an ideal way to combat summer heat, creating an illusion of boundless space and tranquility by seamlessly merging with the surrounding landscape. The first featured property is an eco-conscious home in Kerala, named 'Malhar.' This weekend retreat, designed by architect Vivek PP of De Earth, is situated on a six-acre plot near Payyannur, Kannur. The owners, originally from Bengaluru, envision making this their permanent residence. The home features a cobbled pathway leading to a foyer, and an open-to-sky infinity pool, surrounded by areca palm trees, is central to a courtyard. The pool provides expansive views of nearby plantations, fulfilling the owners' desire for a lush, green environment integrated with music. Next is a second-generation summer home in Ahmedabad, a project by Rushi Shah and Vidisha Shah. This property is notable for its integration with the abundant trees on its verdant outskirts. Initially conceived as a standard two-bedroom dwelling, the design evolved to prioritize open spaces and a harmonious relationship with nature. The infinity pool at the front of the house is strategically positioned on a lawn slope, creating a stunning visual effect that allows inhabitants to fully appreciate the encompassing landscape, functioning as a viewing gallery. A lakeside home in Kamshet, Maharashtra, is also presented, owned by dance practitioner Avantika Bahl and consultant Avinash Goyal. This property, located on a unique lakeside parcel in the ghats, is described as extraordinary, with dancing grasses and a design that resonates with Bahl's artistic sensibilities. The home is characterized by a series of pavilions that offer increasingly spectacular lake views. Its design is intended to appear naturally integrated into the environment, featuring elements like colorful living room blocks that interact with sunlight and a half-moon shaped pool that mirrors the lake, creating a celestial impression. The fourth property is a coffee estate in Coorg, converted into a vacation home by Studio 4A co-founders Vijay Narayanan and Appachu Nanjappa. This 4,000-square-foot, single-story, gable-roofed house is set amidst a coffee estate with distant views of elk hills, and its structure is subtly integrated into the elevated terrain. The architects emphasized celebrating the natural landscape and climate, incorporating tropical architectural elements such as long verandahs, courtyards, high ceilings, and folding doors. These features create interconnected outdoor spaces, including an exterior infinity swimming pool, stepped sunken seating, and a deck that extends from the living area. Finally, a blissful getaway in Karjat offers an elevated perspective of the hillside. This luxurious 8,000-square-foot, two-story abode, spanning over six acres, includes a garden, swimming pool, and gaming room, all enveloped by lush greenery. Amritha Karnakar, principal architect at AKAD, designed the interiors to be minimal, ensuring that the focus remains on the undulating hillside views and the tranquil Kalote lake. An infinity pool on the ground floor deck, complemented by sunbeds, allows residents to immerse themselves in the green vistas, making it an ideal weekend retreat from the urban bustle of Mumbai. #HolidayHomes #InfinityPools #LuxuryTravel #ArchitecturalDesign #EcoConsciousHomes #LakesideProperties #CoffeeEstateHomes #ModernAesthetic

This article showcases the transformation of a Cornish beachside house into a home filled with coastal charm, reflecting the owner Juliet Mayhew's journey from initial skepticism about the region's appeal to fully embracing its unique character. Initially, Juliet, an Australian, found Cornwall's shingle beaches a stark contrast to the white sands she was accustomed to. However, a sunny second visit, including a boat trip along the Helford River, changed her perspective, leading her to appreciate the special allure of the area. This shift in perception was crucial as she and her husband found a house in a prime, secluded location overlooking the sea, offering views of bobbing boats and lush oak-covered hills. The process of acquiring the property was a notable undertaking, requiring an early morning drive from London to place a successful bid before the house went to the open market. Following the purchase, the couple dedicated significant time to planning improvements, aiming to seamlessly connect the interiors with the stunning outdoor spaces. A key structural alteration involved creating an open-plan kitchen and sitting room by knocking through a wall, enhancing light and maximizing the sea views from all main rooms. The kitchen, which was an existing feature, received a stylish update with pale grey painted cabinets, and its large central workspace was designed for entertaining. As an experienced interior designer and party planner, Juliet meticulously curated the home's aesthetic over a year, drawing inspiration from the sea. Her approach involved extensive online searches for marine-themed decor, including rope lamps, fabrics with coral motifs, shells, boats, oars, driftwood stools, and a large compass. This intentional and overt embrace of nautical styling, rather than a subtle nod, infused the house with distinct character and visual interest. The sitting room, with its expansive windows, allows residents and guests to fully immerse themselves in the spectacular views, complemented by a vibrant color scheme that defines the coastal living space. The dining room's lively color palette mirrors Juliet's energetic personality and her love for entertaining, a central consideration in the home's redesign. Upstairs, the main bedroom was expanded to include a larger balcony, creating a space that evokes the feeling of a ship's deck. Juliet particularly enjoys sitting on the balcony and watching boats, finding it a source of deep relaxation. In contrast to the home's more vibrant areas, the guest bedroom offers a serene atmosphere, decorated in a calming palette of blues and neutrals, directly inspired by the surrounding coastal environment. Optimizing the outdoor living experience, the terrace was reconfigured after observing the sun's path throughout the seasons. This thoughtful adjustment allowed the couple to fully leverage the breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline. The entire renovation and decoration project underscore a deliberate design philosophy that blends personal taste with the natural beauty of the location, creating a harmonious and uniquely styled beachside residence. #CoastalHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CornwallLiving #NauticalDecor #OpenPlanLiving #SeasideProperty #HomeStyling

Architects Marià Castelló and José Antonio Molina have designed a family home in Port de la Selva, a small Spanish town in Costa Brava. This dwelling is embedded into a steep, rocky site that slopes towards the seafront and features dark volcanic rock outcrops. The design strategy balances openness and privacy by integrating a lower level into the ground with projecting volumes that offer sea views. This approach also minimizes the house's visual impact, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the landscape and creating various patios with distinct lighting conditions. The house consists of two concrete volumes connected by a glazed corridor. The lower level, close to street level, establishes intimate connections with the outdoors through patios. These patios are framed by the natural rock formations of the site. In contrast, the upper level's two volumes are oriented to provide frontal views of the landscape and the sea horizon. This dual strategy of embedding and volumetric division reduces the apparent size of the intervention and enhances its integration with the surrounding environment. On the ground floor, a spacious main bedroom, a bathroom, and a living area open onto private patios. These private outdoor spaces are sheltered by the steep rock surfaces. The eastern volume on the upper level accommodates the children's bedrooms and a small swimming pool, while the western volume houses a kitchen, dining area, and an additional sleeping space. The glazed corridor, which also contains the vertical circulation, connects these two volumes. It offers expansive sea views on one side and a sheltered courtyard on the other, protected by the slope of the site. This glass nexus creates a wind-protected exterior space that maintains visual transparency towards the sea. The exterior of the house features a concrete finish, chosen to harmonize with the natural characteristics of the site. Gravel excavated from the site was used to finish the building's roof, further integrating it into its surroundings. Inside, the rooms are characterized by white walls complemented by oak detailing and custom-made wooden furniture. This material palette was selected to introduce warmth and harmony, offsetting the inherent qualities of the concrete. The exterior carpentry and certain interior claddings are also crafted from oak wood. Both Marià Castelló and José Antonio Molina lead their own architectural practices, Marià Castelló Architecture and José Antonio Molina Saiz, respectively. Their previous works include a geometric three-volume home on Formentera and an Ibizan retreat featuring glass corridors, open patios, and a pool. The construction management for this project was overseen by José Antonio Molina, Lorena Ruzafa, and Marià Castelló, with Joan Noguer as the building engineer, Think Enginyeria for structure engineering, and QS Enginyeria i Associats for facilities engineering. The design team included Lorena Ruzafa and Marga Ferrer, and Construccions Pòrfit served as the builder. The photography was conducted by Castelló, highlighting the architectural details and the house's relationship with its coastal setting. #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteHouse #CoastalDesign #SpanishArchitecture #GlazedCorridor #IntegratedLandscape #ModernHome #PortDeLaSelva

The article showcases a custom-built home by Marmol Radziner in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, listed for $5.89 million. This residence, spanning over 3,110 square feet with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, was constructed in 2010 and recently underwent refinishing. Its design exemplifies California modernism, with a strong emphasis on integrating nature into the living space. A key feature of the property is its surrounding lush botanical gardens, which include towering palms and exotic plants. These natural elements provide privacy and create a serene, secluded atmosphere, making residents feel distanced from the bustling city environment. The house is characterized by its sunlit, open-floor plan and extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows, designed to maximize views of the surrounding greenery from almost every room. The dining room is strategically placed between two glass walls, offering views of a jetted ozone pool on one side and an outdoor kitchen on the other. The living area features high ceilings with recessed lighting, further enhancing the connection to the outdoors. The chef's kitchen is both spacious and functional, equipped with a Wolf built-in cooktop, ample storage, an oversized island, and custom copper-hued cabinetry. It also offers views of the botanical gardens and includes a leather built-in breakfast nook. The primary suite, located upstairs, presents a moody, minimalist aesthetic. It boasts a wood-paneled, spa-like bathroom with a sunken tub and an expansive walk-in closet. Sliding glass doors in the primary suite open onto an outdoor patio, ensuring continuous visual access to the lush gardens. The outdoor areas are designed for entertaining, featuring an onsen-like bespoke wood hot tub, multiple alfresco lounge spaces, an outdoor kitchen with a wood-fire grill, and weaving garden pathways. Listing agent Desyana Willis of Amalfi Estates highlights that the home's design blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, a hallmark of true California indoor-outdoor living. The property's unique custom design is described as a work of art, seamlessly connecting the backyard with the living room. The home's location is also a notable advantage, being steps away from Abbot Kinney Boulevard, known for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops. Marmol Radziner, the award-winning architecture firm behind this property, is recognized for its expertise in California modernism and its ability to link homes with nature. The firm's impressive client roster includes public figures such as Tom Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, and Anthony Kiedis. They are also known for their respectful restorations of iconic homes by architects like Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, including Neutra’s Kaufmann House and Buff & Hensman’s Harvey House in Palm Springs. #LuxuryRealEstate #MarmolRadziner #CaliforniaModernism #VeniceBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #BotanicalGardens #LosAngelesHomes